Program Availability
Public Administration graduate courses are mostly delivered via the Internet by two methods: by purely asynchronous web format and by web-based videoconferencing. Elective courses may be offered in either format.
Some traditional, on-campus, face-to-face courses are also available but are optional for students. The certificate may be completed 100 percent online.
The Certificate of Advanced Study in Public Administration is open to U.S. and international applicants who satisfy admission requirements.
Why Earn a Certificate of Advanced Study in Public Administration at Indiana State University?
The NASPAA-accredited Certificate of Advanced Study in Public Administration introduces advanced public administration concepts and practices to professionals working in mid-level management or administrative positions, and to anyone considering a Master of Public Administration degree program.
Benefit from a Program Designed for Working Professionals
This Public Administration graduate certificate is a flexible 12-credit program that may be completed entirely online in as few as two semesters, though you may take longer if you wish. The coursework is directly relevant to employees working in government agencies, non-governmental organizations, or other non-profits. Credits earned may be applied toward the MPA program at Indiana State University.
Learn from Our Excellent Faculty
The Public Administration program was established as a semi-autonomous unit within Indiana State University’s Department of Political Science in 1976. The full-time director of the Public Administration program manages both the MPA degree and two PA graduate certificate programs and also advises students.
Small online courses are taught by award-winning professors with many years of public service and academic research experience. Their deep knowledge of public policy and practice, and their extensive networks in the public and nonprofit sectors, will provide helpful insights and valuable connections as you begin to apply what you have learned to your own career.
What You’ll Learn in the Advanced Study in Public Administration program
The Public Administration graduate certificate consists of four courses covering the areas of personnel administration, public administration, governmental budgeting, and organizational behavior. All course credits in this certificate may be applied to the MPA program at Indiana State University.
Coursework from other colleges and universities does not count toward completion of the program. Individuals have the option of completing the certificate or enrolling in one or more courses.
Career Possibilities for Public Administration Graduates
The Certificate of Advanced Study in Public Administration can provide you with valuable public management skills and strengthen your professional qualifications for positions of responsibility within public and nonprofit occupations. These may include city administrator, nonprofit manager, departmental director, or policy or budget analyst.
The certificate also provides a solid foundation for continued study in a Master of Public Administration program.
Additionally, the Public Administration Program is currently a member of the National Association of Schools of Public Affairs and Administration (NASPAA) and is associated with the American Society for Public Administration (ASPA).
Admission Requirements and Application Instructions
The Certificate of Advanced Study in Public Administration is open to U.S. and international applicants who satisfy admission requirements.
Applicants must satisfy the following minimum requirements:
- Hold a bachelor's degree in any academic field from a regionally accredited college or university.
- Hold a minimum undergraduate grade point average of at least 2.75 on a 4.00 scale.
- Submit official transcripts of undergraduate and any graduate work from an accredited institution.
- Complete the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) and submit a score of at least 600 (or the equivalent) as evidence of English proficiency if the applicant's first language is not English. See the note below for exemptions.
Please note that, while the minimum accepted undergraduate GPA is 2.75., GPA is just one of several variables the Public Administration admission committee considers when reviewing admission applications.
The Department of Political Science regards a Test of English as Foreign Language (TOEFL) score of 600 (or the equivalent) as evidence of English proficiency from students whose first language is not English. Please note that this is higher than the default standard 550 TOEFL typically required for admission to Graduate Studies at Indiana State University. International students with undergraduate degrees from certain countries, or whose undergraduate study was completed in English, may be exempt from the TOEFL requirement.
See other important information about applying as an international student at Indiana State University.
Admission Requirements
Complete your application for Graduate Studies at Indiana State through our College of Arts and Sciences GradCAS app.
The Public Administration program accepts applications for student enrollment throughout the year. There are no application deadlines. The admissions committee meets on a monthly basis, except for August and December, to review applications completed in the previous 30 days. Admission requests are then reviewed by the Dean of the College of Graduate and Professional Studies (CGPS). Normally, applicants should receive word of the final admission decision within a few days after the admissions committee meets.
The applicant must submit official transcripts from all colleges previously attended. Transcripts must be sent from the applicant's undergraduate institution (and any graduate institutions) directly to Indiana State University’s Graduate Admissions Office. To be official, transcripts must be sent directly from one institution to another.
Applicants may also send unofficial (or official) copies of their transcripts to the Public Administration program director or upload them into the university's Admission system. In some cases, sending transcripts to both the graduate admissions office and the program director will help expedite the process. However, official transcripts MUST be sent to the Admissions office at the address provided.
Graduate Record Examination test scores, or scores from other standardized examinations, are NOT required, although the applicant may at his or her discretion submit test scores for consideration.
International applicants, unless exempt (as noted above), must submit official scores for the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or provide equivalent evidence of language proficiency.
IMPORTANT: Official transcripts, admission application, application fee, and (if applicable) language proficiency test scores such as the TOEFL should be submitted directly to Indiana State University, Graduate Admissions, Welcome Center, 318 North 6th Street, Terre Haute, IN 47809. E-transcripts should be sent to admissions@indstate.edu All other documentation (including unofficial transcripts, letters, statement of purpose, and unofficial scores from tests such as the GRE) should be uploaded into the online admission system. Letters of recommendation may be uploaded into the system or sent directly to Dr. Nathan Myers, Associate Director, Master of Public Administration program, Indiana State University, Holmstedt Hall, Room 306, Terre Haute, IN 47809
Next Steps
Once admitted, students receive notification from the University as well as their University ID number needed to activate their University Username on the MyISU Portal. The Portal offers access to online registration, University records, and other important University services, including e-mail and University announcements.
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Public Administration (MPA)
Master's
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Advanced Study in Public Personnel Administration
Graduate Certificate / Licensure
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Political Science (BA)
Bachelor's